Compare the U.S. electoral system to European proportional ...

[azncindy619]

Compare the U.S. electoral system to European proportional representation systems and address how candidates for U.S. office behave in response to our system.
 
  In your opinion which system is more responsive to the desires and opinions of the people?

Question 2

Examine the role of minor parties in U.S. politics. What limitations have kept them from achieving major-party status? Evaluate whether you think it makes sense for voters to cast their ballots for third parties.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[fraziera112]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Describe the factors that have shaped the U.S. electoral system.
2. Explain how the U.S. electoral system differs from that of most European democracies, focusing on winner-take-all versus proportional representation, the effects of party machines, progressive reforms, and campaign financing of U.S. candidates.
3. Assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of each system.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Describe how minor parties seldom win elections but nonetheless make important contributions to the political process by revealing sectional and political divides and bringing to light new issues and neglected causes.
2. Explain barriers that have prevented minor parties from becoming major parties: the winner-take-all system, the Electoral College system, and the rules for public financing of presidential campaigns.
3. Analyze the pros and cons of voting for a minor-party candidate and assess whether such votes are wasted.